Rest in Peace – Mark Reale – (June 7, 1955 – January 25, 2012)

On Wednesday, January 25th, RIOT guitarist and founder Mark Reale passed away due to complications from Crohn’s disease in a San Antonio hospital. He was 57 years old.

Reale had been in a coma since January 11th due to a subarachnoid hemorrhage. He had battled Crohn’s for most of his life, working and performing while enduring almost constant pain and the side effects of treatment for his illness. He was in Texas bravely attempting to practice for the band’s scheduled shows, but was felled by a severe onset of Crohn’s symptoms, which eventually put him in the Intensive Care Unit.

Reale’s Riot bandmates have issued the following statement:

“To friends and fans of Mark Reale and Riot, we are deeply saddened to confirm that Mark has lost his battle with a lifelong illness. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated by Mark’s family, friends, and bandmates at this difficult time.”

Hard Rock Hideout would like to offer our condolences to Mark Reale’s family and friends. Mark was a tremendous musician who will be missed greatly.